Williams was found dead, lying face down on the ground in the 200 block area of Rose Street, said Katherine Carter, spokeswoman with the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office. His girlfriend reported him missing two days ago when he did not come back home

Firefighters responded to 516 Bergen St. around 2:38 a.m. on a report of a house fire but found none, said city Fire Chief Michael Lalor. They searched the area and soon found the burnt body wrapped in cellophane on Rose Street, across from Woodland Cemetery, he said.

Investigators are awaiting results of the autopsy, according to Katherine Carter, spokeswoman with the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office. They have determined the victim is a black male.

The Newark arson squad was at the scene early today morning for the preliminary investigation, Lalor said. Newark homicide squad and detectives from the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office are also investigating the case.

Across the street from the murder scene is Woodland Cemetery, a burial ground with more than 82,000 grave sites, some dating to the mid-1800s. Francisco Rivera, a 46-year-old resident, said the area is often used to dump items, including dead animals.

“There are no cameras, no security and police never pass by,” said Rivera.

In 2005, Yusef Johnson, a popular 15-year-old high school student and football player, was found dead of multiple gunshot wounds nearby at the corner of Rose and Bergen streets. Thomas Grant, 23, is facing murder and weapons charges for Johnson’s death.

In 2001, the body of a partially burned, black man turned up at the cemetery, officials have said. It was unclear today if the man was ever identified.

Rivera, and another resident Luticia Heilman, said the cemetery has also been used as a site for prostitution and drug dealing.